Forgotten Promises

By Andruindel

Hello, everyone. Here is the long awaited sequel to Alone Forever. I’m still kinda iffy about the title, but, that’s what it is for now. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter, and thank you for reading!

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The darkness was absolute. The silence in the room seemed to be thick with resentment, anger, and pain. Only the sound of heavy breathing broke the silence. It seemed whoever was in the room was asleep, if only fitfully. For a moment the steady breathing continued, and then there was the barely audible sound of movement. Whoever sat in the room, alone, was awake, barely, and in pain.

Zexion groaned as he sat in a state of half-waking. He was conscious, but at the same time dreaming. He knew he was dreaming, but he also knew he was awake. It was a condition he only knew when he ran a high fever, which was exactly what was going on.

As Zexion sat huddled in a corner, shaking, and only half-awake, his mind was working frantically on his latest scheme. He would get Xembré back for getting him into trouble. He knew he still had bruises; the constant ache in his body told him so. And now, he was confined to this dark, lonely room, sick and resentful. It was not a good combination.

But at the moment, all he could do was rest. Prolonged thought made his head spin.

“You’ll pay, Xembré…” He mumbled into the darkness before falling into a fever-induced sleep. “You and Demyx will both pay…”

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Dear Diary,

Well, we just arrived in Twilight Town the other day. Of course, we stopped at Destiny Islands a few days ago, because Axel had to go taunt Sora and Riku a bit. I didn’t realize Riku was so cute. I’d seen him from afar before that, but, wow… Seeing him up close was pretty cool. Not that I’d ever go out with him of course. No, I’ve got too much at stake to risk letting certain people find out I think Riku’s cute. Then again, I think Axel’s cute too, so it’s not that big a deal, right? Riiiight…

Anyway, moving on. We just got into Twilight Town recently, after several weeks of travel, and I think we’re going to stay here. It’s pretty nice here. The weather’s nice, the sunshine’s great, and of course, there’s always the option of the beach. Larxene and I are all for staying. But Axel’s not too sure. He’s not fond of the beach, apparently. Unlike Demyx, who would stay there indefinitely if we let him.

So, we’re pretty settled in here, despite Axel’s doubts that he won’t like living here permanently. I was surprised to find a fellow Organization run-away here. His name is Roxas, and apparently he and Axel were good friends back when he was in the Org. Demyx says he’s too cute for his own good, just because he’s got a cute friend who happens to be a girl. I like Olette, though. And that Hayner’s always good for a laugh.

Also, Demyx and I are happily together. It’s kinda nice having a boyfriend who’s not sadistic, and out to get me. Of course, the fact that it’s Demyx makes it twice as cool.

“Xembré!”

Xembré straightened up in her chair, resting her forearms on the leather-bound book she had been writing in. She didn’t want Demyx seeing what she had just written in her journal. She had started keeping a journal after Demyx had presented her with one, claming that every girl needs a journal. Now she recorded the progress of their journey, and anything else she felt she would want to remember.

She had covered her writing just in time. Demyx came bounding into the room, beaming, and dressed in baggy jeans, and a navy-blue T-shirt with a gray, long-sleeved shirt underneath. He also wore a thick, silver chain around his neck. “Did you forget we’re going out to breakfast today?” He asked.

Xembré laughed. “No, of course not.” She said. As she spoke, she closed her journal and stood, stretching. “I’ll be done here soon.” She shoved Demyx playfully, and watched as he left, a fond smile on her face.

Xembré glanced at her clock, and had to smile. It was only eight-thirty, yet she’d been up since six. Surprisingly, Demyx had been up before her. She and Demyx shared a room in the small house they had all pitched in to rent. The room they shared had light blue walls, and white furniture. The only furniture was the two beds, and a writing desk. The room was already beginning to show Demyx’s personality: Clothes on the floor, a giant stuffed cat on his bed, and a water-color painting of the ocean with the sun setting on the horizon taped to the wall.

Sighing contently, Xembré picked up her purse, and started out of the room after checking her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was back to its normal length, reaching her waist, but her red high-lights were fading, for she had not bothered doing them again. She had pulled half of it back into a pony tail, securing it with a blue ribbon. Her shirt was navy blue, matching Demyx’s, but her pants were beige. She and her friends had planned, in celebration of their safe arrival in Twilight Town, and the fact that they were going to stay, a trip to the local pancake house for breakfast. Roxas, Hayner, Olette and Pence would all be there, because it was Saturday.

Out in the tiny family room, Xembré found Axel, Larxene and Demyx waiting for her. Axel’s hair, as unruly as ever, was the brightest thing about him. He wore his customary black: A black T-shirt, and black jeans. Even his shoes were black. As was usual, his eyes were sparkling with a smirk that did not quite reach his lips.

Larxene, on the other hand, had quickly adapted to life outside the Organization. She was wearing a light, midnight blue blouse, and tight jeans, that looked two sizes too small. She had left her hair down that day, so she did not sport the usual ‘bug antennae’ look.

“Ready?” Demyx asked, bouncing over to give her a hug.

Xembré nodded. “Yes. I’m ready. I still don’t quite understand why we’re leaving so early, though…” She looked out the window at the already brightly shining sun, and gave a slight sigh. Even though she was used to waking up early, she usually didn’t eat breakfast until later.

“Don’t worry, Roxas is always late.” Axel assured her. “We won’t be eating for another hour at least.”

Xembré laughed. “That’s good to know.” She replied sarcastically. She smiled up at Axel, and then she started for the door. “Well, let’s get going. At least we can meet up with Hayner and the others.”

The others agreed, and together the four friends started outside, pausing only long enough to give Axel time to lock the door. As Xembré walked slightly in the lead, listening to Axel and Larxene talking, she enjoyed the scene of a bustling early-morning city. She couldn’t help smiling to herself, because she loved living in Twilight Town. The atmosphere was pleasant, and even if they were all nobodies, no one seemed to mind… But that was most likely because no one knew, not even Hayner and the others.

She slowed her pace a bit, listening more closely to the conversation of Axel and Larxene. Why wasn’t Demyx joining in? He loved discussing food, possibly more than Axel did! She glanced around, not seeing Demyx to either side of her, and finally turned fully around, to find Demyx right behind her. He walked with a slight slouch to his shoulders, and his arms folded.

“Demyx?” She slowed her pace to match his, and linked arms with him. “Are you okay?”

Demyx smiled lightly down at her. “Course I am! Why shouldn’t I be? I’ve got great friends, a cute girl at my side, and we’re going out to breakfast. What else could a guy want? I’m just a bit tired is all. I haven’t slept well for a few nights…”

Xembré wasn’t completely sure Demyx was telling her the truth. But she was too happy to let that bother her for long. She smiled up at him, and then carefully took his hand, threading her fingers through his. She saw his gentle smile, and the light pink that had high-lighted his cheeks, and was glad. Things were finally looking up in her life.

“So wait, I’m only cute?” She asked, putting on a pout as she looked back up at Demyx. She knew Demyx’s words were really a compliment, and he hadn’t meant anything more by it, but she enjoyed teasing him.

Demyx flushed, and looked away. “No, you’re not only cute. I meant you’re smart, nice, talented, and beautiful.” He looked back at her, a shy grin on his face, and now it was Xembré’s turn to blush.

She could think of nothing to say to Demyx’s compliments, so instead she smiled and enjoyed them.

As Axel had said, Roxas was late. The four friends met up with Hayner, Pence and Olette at the usual spot, but Roxas did not show up for another twenty minutes. Xembré didn’t mind. She enjoyed hanging out with Hayner and the others. She hated to admit it, but Hayner was cute too, and really funny.

“Hey, Roxas!” Axel was the first to notice Roxas as the blonde entered. The red-head leapt to his feet and stood facing Roxas, who gazed up at him a bit warily. But then Axel smiled, and reached to tousle Roxas’s hair. “What took you so long?” Axel asked.

Roxas shrugged. “I dunno…” He replied evasively. “Sorry I’m late…”

Xembré saw Axel frown, and gaze searchingly at Roxas. And then she saw a smile light up his face again.

“Alright, whatever. Let’s get going!”

Axel’s words were met with unanimous agreement, and a ‘whatever!’ from Hayner. The eight friends then started on their way to breakfast.

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I know, it’s a little short. I was just, re-introducing the characters I suppose you could say. And introducing some new ones. –wink- I love Roxas and Hayner.

Anyways, don’t worry. We’ll see more of Roxas, Hayner, Pence and Olette in the next chapter. And, of course, there will be lots of Xem x Dem fluff! I wanted it to be happy, unlike the last one. So, thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to review!